Democrats Wrestle With Benefits Plan

May 14, 1985|New York Daily News

WASHINGTON — House Democrats, challenged by a White House-backed Senate budget plan that freezes next year`s Social Security cost-of-living raise for 36 million beneficiaries, open debate today on a non-binding resolution that registers a strong protest against the move.

At the urging of House Majority Leader Jim Wright, D-Texas, and the liberal Democratic Study Group, the 253 Democrats will meet in a closed-door caucus to discuss the controversial issue. According to a leadership source, they are deeply divided over how to proceed.

``A majority opposes touching Social Security,`` the official said. ``But there is a strong vocal minority that wants to do something. I don`t know what the outcome will be.``

The resolution, drafted by Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., declares flatly that the House budget resolution ``shall not include any reduction in Social Security benefits, including any reduction, freeze or delay`` in the cost-of-living raises that occur every year to offset the effects of inflation.